CN107003788B - Electronic device and method of operating the same - Google Patents

Electronic device and method of operating the same Download PDF

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Publication number
CN107003788B
CN107003788B CN201580064281.XA CN201580064281A CN107003788B CN 107003788 B CN107003788 B CN 107003788B CN 201580064281 A CN201580064281 A CN 201580064281A CN 107003788 B CN107003788 B CN 107003788B
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China
Prior art keywords
bezel
touch panel
wearable device
user
electronic device
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Active
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CN201580064281.XA
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Chinese (zh)
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CN107003788A (en
Inventor
尼古拉·当吉·卡耶
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Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
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Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0362—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/0416—Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/08—Touch switches specially adapted for time-pieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/163—Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/011—Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality
    • G06F3/014—Hand-worn input/output arrangements, e.g. data gloves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/016—Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/039—Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
    • G06F3/0393—Accessories for touch pads or touch screens, e.g. mechanical guides added to touch screens for drawing straight lines, hard keys overlaying touch screens or touch pads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/045—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • G06F3/04883—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/041—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/041 - G06F3/045
    • G06F2203/04106—Multi-sensing digitiser, i.e. digitiser using at least two different sensing technologies simultaneously or alternatively, e.g. for detecting pen and finger, for saving power or for improving position detection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/0414—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using force sensing means to determine a position

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic device (200), in particular to a smart watch (200) comprising a processor (201) for implementing a user interface allowing a user to interact with the electronic device (200); a display and touch panel (206) in communication with the processor (201), wherein the display and touch panel (206) provide a touch sensitive display for allowing a user to interact with the electronic device (200) based on the user interface by touching the touch panel (206); and a bezel (207) rotatably mounted on a housing of the electronic device (200), wherein the bezel (207) comprises a pointing element (209a) for activating the touch panel (206) at a plurality of different positions of the touch panel (206), and wherein the plurality of different positions of the touch panel (206) define a plurality of different positions of the bezel (207) relative to the housing, thereby allowing the user to interact with the electronic device (200) by using the bezel (207). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of operating such an electronic device (200).

Description

Electronic device and method of operating the same
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device. In particular, the present invention relates to a smart watch and a method of operating such a smart watch.
Background
As smart watches have become more prevalent, a large number of different smart watch models have been developed over the past few years. While a number of early smart watch models were only able to perform some basic tasks, such as computing, translating, and playing simple games, in addition to timing, modern smart watches are effective wearable computers that can run mobile applications and functions, for example, as portable media players and the like. Some modern smart watch models even have full mobile phone functionality, i.e., the ability to make or receive calls. In order for users to use the rich functions of modern smart watches, modern smart watches are often provided with complex user interfaces. The user interface of modern smartwatches is typically based on a touch display for displaying a graphical user interface and allowing a user to interact with the smartwatch by touching the touch display. The components of the user interface of an exemplary conventional smart watch 100 are schematically illustrated in fig. 1, including a display 105, a touch panel 106, a touch panel controller 106a, and a processor 101 including a user interface engine 101 a. The user may interact with the smart watch 100 shown in fig. 1, for example, by touching the touch panel 106, by pressing a button 110, by means of a microphone 112, or by means of an acceleration sensor and/or gyroscope 114. The exemplary conventional smart watch 100 shown in fig. 1 further includes a vibrator 116 and an RF interface 118.
WO 2014/189197 discloses a smart watch with a user interface based on a rotatable bezel and a display. A graphical user interface is shown on the display and a user can interact with the smart watch by rotating the bezel. However, it is not disclosed how the rotation and/or position of the bezel is determined by the smart watch.
One possible solution for determining the rotation and/or position of a rotatable bezel of a smart watch is to provide additional sensors to monitor the position of the bezel. But such a solution would make the smart watch, for example, more complex, bulkier, more expensive and less reliable. Furthermore, the addition of another sensor for monitoring the position of the bezel may cause some problems related to the dust-and/or water-tightness of the smart watch.
Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic device including an improved user interface, and more particularly, a smart watch including an improved user interface.
Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device comprising an improved user interface, more specifically a smart watch comprising an improved user interface.
The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Other embodiments are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.
According to a first aspect, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a processor for implementing a user interface that allows a user to interact with the electronic device; a display and a touch panel in communication with the processor, wherein the display and the touch panel provide a touch sensitive display for allowing a user to interact with the electronic device based on a user interface by touching the touch panel; and a bezel rotatably mounted on a housing of the electronic device, wherein the bezel comprises a pointing element for activating the touch panel at a plurality of different positions of the touch panel, and wherein the plurality of different positions of the touch panel define a plurality of different positions of the bezel relative to the housing allowing a user to interact with the electronic device by using the bezel, in particular, rotating the bezel.
Accordingly, an electronic device is provided that includes an improved user interface in the form of a rotatable bezel and a pointing element that interacts with a touch panel of the electronic device. The proposed solution enables the processor to easily determine the position of the rotatable bezel relative to the housing of the electronic device, while minimizing the necessary space within the housing of the electronic device for any other mechanical and/or electronic components and the cost thereof, and improving the mechanical design of the electronic device in terms of dust-and water-resistance, and easy assembly.
In a first possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect, the touch panel is a capacitive touch panel.
For example, by using a capacitive touch panel, the touch sensitive display may be implemented as a multi-touch sensitive display, i.e. a touch sensitive display that can simultaneously record interactions at several different locations.
In a second possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect as such or according to the first implementation form thereof, the pointing element is arranged between the touch panel and the bezel.
Arranging the pointing element between the touch panel and the bezel better protects the pointing element from external mechanical interference and provides improved dust-proofness and water-proofness. Furthermore, the pointing element may be hidden from the user, thereby providing an improved user experience.
In a third possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the pointing element is in constant contact with the touch panel.
In this embodiment of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention, the position of the bezel relative to the housing of the electronic device can be determined continuously.
In a fourth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect as such or according to the first or second implementation form thereof, the bezel is biased into a default state, wherein in the default state the pointing element is not in contact with the touch panel, and wherein the bezel is adapted to bring the pointing element into contact with the touch panel by pressing the bezel in the default state, thereby allowing a user to interact with the electronic device by pressing the bezel in the default state.
The touch panel is less subject to wear by providing a default state in which the pointing element is not in contact with the touch panel. Furthermore, bringing the pointing element into contact with the touch panel by pressing or clicking the bezel allows assigning another function of the user interface to this action.
In a fifth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the fourth implementation form of the first aspect, the electronic device comprises a resilient element mounted between the bezel and the housing, wherein the resilient element is configured to bias the bezel into the default state and to generate the tactile feedback upon pressing the bezel in the default state. In an implementation form, for example, the elastic element may be an elastic O-ring mounted on a top surface of a housing of the electronic device.
Providing a resilient element between the housing and the bezel for biasing the bezel to a default state, in particular, a resilient O-ring, can produce less wear and improve the user experience.
In a sixth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the pointing element is made of a flexible material and/or a conductive material.
Pointing elements made of flexible material subject the touch panel to less wear. In the case of a conductive bezel, the pointing element made of conductive material allows to determine whether the user touches the bezel, thus enabling the assignment of different functions of the user interface depending on whether the user touches the bezel.
In a seventh possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the bezel is made of an electrically conductive material comprising an electrically non-conductive coating between the bezel and the touch panel, wherein the pointing element is defined by a recess within the electrically non-conductive coating or by a material within the electrically non-conductive coating having a higher electrical conductivity than the electrically non-conductive coating.
By implementing the pointing element as a recess within a coating on the bezel, the pointing element can activate the touch panel without physically touching the touch panel, thereby minimizing wear on the touch panel.
In an eighth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the electronic device comprises at least two pointing elements.
Having at least two pointing elements in different positions of the bezel improves the accuracy of determining the position of the bezel relative to the housing of the electronic device and improves the stability of the bezel, provided that the at least two pointing elements have to be in contact with the touch panel by pressing or clicking the bezel.
In a ninth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the eighth implementation form of the first aspect of the invention, in the default state of the bezel, at least one of the at least two pointing elements is in constant contact with the touch panel, while at least another of the at least two pointing elements is not in contact with the touch panel.
This implementation allows the user interface to be improved by assigning different functions to the rotation of the bezel in the default state, in which at least one pointing element is in contact with the touch panel, and the rotation of the bezel in the "click" state, in which all pointing elements are in contact with the touch panel.
In a tenth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the processor is configured to operate the user interface in the first configuration when the user touches the bezel and in the second configuration when the user does not touch the bezel.
This implementation allows for an improved user interface by assigning different functions when the user touches the bezel and when the user does not touch the bezel.
In an eleventh possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the bezel is made of an electrically conductive material.
This embodiment allows a simple determination of whether the user touches the bezel.
In a twelfth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the touch panel is a resistive touch panel.
In a thirteenth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the touch panel is a pressure sensitive touch panel.
This embodiment allows the pressure exerted by the user on the faceplate via the bezel ring to be captured.
In a fourteenth possible implementation form of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention as such or according to any of the preceding implementation forms thereof, the electronic device is a wearable device, in particular a smart watch, or a control device.
According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of operating an electronic device, wherein the method comprises the steps of: implementing a user interface that allows a user to interact with the electronic device; allowing a user to interact with the electronic device based on the user interface by touching a touch panel of the electronic device; and rotating a bezel rotatably mounted on a housing of an electronic device relative to the housing, wherein the bezel comprises a pointing element for contacting the touch panel at a plurality of different positions of the touch panel, and wherein the plurality of different positions of the touch panel define a plurality of different positions of the bezel relative to the housing.
The method according to the second aspect of the invention may be performed by an electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention. Further features of the method according to the second aspect of the invention arise directly from the functionality of the electronic device according to the first aspect of the invention and the different implementation forms described above.
Drawings
Other embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the following drawings, in which:
fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of components of a user interface of a smart watch according to the prior art;
fig. 2a shows a schematic top view of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment;
fig. 2b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment;
fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment;
fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment;
fig. 5a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a first state in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment;
fig. 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a second state in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment;
fig. 6a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment;
fig. 6b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch according to an embodiment; and
fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram illustrating steps of a method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment.
In the drawings, the same reference signs are used for identical or at least functionally equivalent features.
Detailed Description
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show by way of illustration specific aspects in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, as the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
For example, it should be understood that the disclosure in connection with the described methods may equally apply to the corresponding apparatus or system for performing the methods, and vice versa. For example, if a particular method step is described, the corresponding apparatus may include a unit that performs the described method step, even if such unit is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Further, it is to be understood that features of the various exemplary aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.
Fig. 2a and 2b show top and cross-sectional views of the electronic device 200. In the drawings and the following detailed description, the electronic device 200 is embodied in the form of a smart watch 200. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that: the invention may also advantageously be implemented in the form of other electronic devices, for example in the form of smart home control devices or other types of wearable devices.
The smart watch 200 includes a processor 201 for operating a user interface that allows a user to interact with the smart watch 200. In an embodiment, the processor 201 may be embedded within the housing or frame 203 of the smart watch 200. As shown in fig. 2a, in an embodiment, the smart watch 200 may include a wrist band 204 attached to the housing 203 to allow the user to secure the smart watch 200 around the user's wrist.
The smart watch 200 further includes a display 205 and a touch panel 206 in communication with the processor 201. The display 205 and touch panel 206 are implemented to provide a touch sensitive display for allowing a user to interact with the smart watch 200 by touching the touch panel 206. In an embodiment, an operating system may be implemented on the processor 201 of the smart watch 200 and may provide a graphical user interface on the display 205. In an embodiment, the touch panel 206 may be a capacitive touch panel. In an embodiment, the touch panel 206 may be a resistive touch panel.
The smart watch 200 further includes a bezel 207 rotatably mounted on the case 203 or frame of the smart watch 200. As shown in fig. 2a, in an embodiment, the bezel 207 may have a ring or ring shape and may rotate in a circumferential direction. In an embodiment, bezel 207 may be rotatably mounted to housing 203 by clipping onto housing 203 of the smart watch.
Bezel 207 includes a pointing element 209a for activating touch panel 206 at a plurality of different locations of touch panel 206. In an embodiment, the pointing element 209a may be used to act like a stylus in the form of a protrusion, for example a pin, on the surface of the bezel 207. In an embodiment, the pointing element 209a is made of a flexible material and/or a conductive material. In an embodiment, the pointing element 209a may be implemented in the form of a recess in a coating on one surface of the bezel 207, as will be described in more detail further below in the context of the embodiment shown in fig. 6 b.
In fig. 2a, for example, the pointing element 209a is located approximately at the 3 o' clock position of the smart watch 200. The plurality of different positions at which the pointing element 209a can touch or activate the touch panel 206 defines or corresponds to a plurality of different positions of the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b, the pointing element 209a may touch or activate a plurality of different locations of the touch panel 206 defining a circle. Thus, by monitoring the location at which the pointing element 209a touches or activates the touch panel 206, the processor 201 of the smart watch 200 can track the corresponding location of the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203. This in turn allows the user to interact with the smart watch 200 by using the bezel 207, and in particular by rotating the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203 of the smart watch 200. To this end, in an embodiment, the smart watch 200 may further include a touch panel controller 206a in communication with the processor 201 and the user interface engine 201a implemented thereon, as shown in fig. 3. In an embodiment, the touch panel controller may also be part of the processor 201. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates how a user may interact with the smart watch 200, i.e., by rotating, pressing, and/or touching the bezel 207 and/or by touching the touch panel 206, according to an embodiment.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b, the pointing element 209a is arranged between the touch panel 206 and the bezel 207. Disposing the pointing element 209a between the touch panel 206 and the bezel 207 provides the pointing element 209a with better mechanical protection from external interference and improves the dust-proofness and water-proofness of the smart watch 200. Further, the pointing element 209a may be hidden from the user, thereby providing an improved user experience.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b, the pointing element 209a is arranged in constant contact with the touch panel 206. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b, the processor 201 may constantly determine the position of the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203 of the smart watch 200.
In an embodiment, bezel 207 is made of a conductive material, such as aluminum, steel, and the like. When the conductive bezel 207 is touched by at least one finger of the user, the capacitance brought back helps to activate the pointing element 209a and then trigger a touch event on the touch panel 206. In an embodiment, the processor 201 is configured to implement the user interface in a first configuration when the user touches the conductive bezel 207 and in a second configuration when the user does not touch the conductive bezel 207. In other words, in embodiments, the processor 201 is able to detect whether user interaction with the smart watch 200 is accomplished by merely touching the touch panel 206, merely touching and/or rotating the bezel 207, or both touching the touch panel 206 and by touching and/or rotating the bezel 207, and is able to implement a user interface accordingly. For example, the processor 201 may be used to interpret touching the touch panel 206 with a finger, such as an index finger, and using a different finger, such as a thumb and/or middle finger, to simultaneously use the bezel 207 as a click or verification within the context of a user interface implemented by the processor 201.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch 200 according to another embodiment. The embodiment shown in fig. 4 differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b in that in the embodiment shown in fig. 4 the smart watch 200 comprises three pointing elements 209a-c, whereas in the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b the smart watch 200 comprises a single pointing element 209 a. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4, the three pointing elements 209a-c are asymmetrically distributed along the ring bezel 207, i.e. at respective positions of 12 o ' clock, 3 o ' clock and 8 o ' clock. This distributed arrangement of pointing elements 209a-c along the circular bezel 207 allows for improved absolute determination of the bezel 207 location when using the bezel 207 and provides a more desirable user experience.
Fig. 5a and 5b show schematic cross-sectional views of an electronic device in the form of a smart watch 200 in a first state and a second state of the smart watch 200, respectively, according to another embodiment. As in the case of the embodiments shown in fig. 2a, 2b and 4, the smart watch 200 shown in fig. 5a and 5b comprises a processor 201, a housing 203, a display 205, a touch panel 206 and a bezel 207. For clarity, the bezel 207 is shown in fig. 5a and 5b using a square pattern. In addition to the first pointing element 209a, the smart watch 200 shown in fig. 5a and 5b comprises a second pointing element 209 b.
Fig. 5a shows the smart watch 200 or bezel 207 in a first state, wherein the bezel 207 is spaced from the upper surface of the case 203 by the resilient element 203 a. In an embodiment, the resilient element 203a may be used to bias the bezel 207 into a first state by pressing the bezel 207 into the first state, such that the first state corresponds to a default state of the bezel 207. In an embodiment, the resilient element 203a is used to provide a tactile feedback, i.e. a "click" sensation, immediately after pushing or pressing the bezel 207 in the first state. In an embodiment, the elastic element 203a may be an O-ring. In a first state shown in fig. 5a, the first pointing element 209a is in contact with, i.e. touching, the touch panel 206, while the second pointing element 209b is not in contact with the touch panel 206. Because in the first state shown in fig. 5a, the first pointing element 209a is in contact with the touch panel 206, the processor 201 may determine the position of the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203 of the smart watch 200 based on the position of the first pointing element 209a on the touch panel 206.
Fig. 5b shows the smart watch 200 or bezel 207 in a second state, wherein the bezel 207 is pressed onto the housing 203, thereby forcing the resilient element 203a and the first pointing element 209a, which in an embodiment may be made of a resilient material, and bringing the second pointing element 209b into contact with the touch panel 206. Because in the second state shown in fig. 5b, the first and second pointing elements 209a, 209b are in contact with the touch panel 206, the processor 201 may determine the position of the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203 of the smart watch 200 based on the position of the first pointing element 209a on the touch panel 206 and/or the position of the second pointing element 209b on the touch panel.
Since the processor 201 may determine the position of the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203 of the smart watch 200 in the first state shown in fig. 5a and the second state shown in fig. 5b, in an embodiment, the processor 201 is configured to implement the user interface in a first configuration when the bezel 207 is in the first state shown in fig. 5a, and in a different second configuration when the bezel 207 is in the second state in fig. 5 b. In other words, in embodiments, the processor 201 may be used to enable rotation of the bezel 207 in the first state shown in fig. 5a to trigger a different action than the same rotation of the bezel 207 in the second state shown in fig. 5 b.
According to a variant of the embodiment shown in fig. 5a and 5b, it is conceivable that the smart watch 200 does not comprise a first pointing element 209a, which is in constant contact with the touch panel 206, but only one or more pointing elements, similar to the second pointing element 209b, which have to be in contact with the touch panel 206 by pressing the bezel 207.
Fig. 6a and 6b show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of a smart watch 200 according to different embodiments.
In the embodiment of fig. 6a, the pointing element 209a is defined by a protrusion on the lower surface of the bezel 207, wherein the tip of the protrusion is in contact with the touch panel 206.
In the embodiment of fig. 6b, the pointing element 209d is defined by a recess 209d in the thin non-conductive coating 207a of the bezel 207, which is made of a conductive material, wherein the non-conductive coating 207a of the bezel 207 is located between the bezel 207 and the touch panel 206. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the non-conductive coating 207a protects the touch panel 206 from the conductive material of the bezel 207 except for the recessed areas defining the pointing element 209 d.
In another embodiment, the pointing element 209d may be defined by a piece of material located within the non-conductive coating 207a of the bezel 207, wherein the piece of material has a higher electrical conductivity than the non-conductive coating 207a of the bezel 207.
In another embodiment, the pointing element of the smart watch 200 may be defined by both a protrusion on the surface of the bezel 207 and a non-conductive coating near the protrusion.
Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a method 700 of operating an electronic device, such as the smart watch 200 described above, according to an embodiment. The method 700 includes the following steps.
In step 701, a user interface is implemented that allows a user to interact with the smart watch 200. In step 703, the user is allowed to interact with the smart watch 200 based on the user interface by touching the touch panel 206 of the smart watch 200. In step 705, the bezel 207 rotatably mounted on the housing 203 of the smart watch 200 is rotated relative to the housing 203, wherein the bezel 207 comprises the pointing elements shown in the embodiments of the previous figures, such as the pointing elements 209a-d, for contacting the touch panel 206 at a plurality of different positions of the touch panel 206, and wherein the plurality of different positions of the touch panel 206 define a plurality of different positions of the bezel 207 relative to the housing 203 of the smart watch 200.
Embodiments of the present invention provide new ways to interact with electronic devices. Since the interaction may differ between a "classic" direct touch panel and a touch containing bezel, the user interface may be fine-tuned and optimized when using the bezel. The use of the bezel of the electronic device has the following advantages: the view of the display is not obstructed by the user's finger. This allows, for example, game play while controlling the electronic device through the rotatable bezel. The rotatable bezel provides advantageous technical effects for navigation of and interaction with the electronic device, while taking advantage of the benefits of a simple simulated user interface.
While a particular feature or aspect of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations or embodiments, such feature or aspect may be combined with one or more other features or aspects of the other implementations or embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted. Also, the terms "exemplary," "by way of example," "such as," and "for example," are merely meant as examples, rather than the best or optimal. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It will be understood that these terms may be used to indicate that two elements co-operate or interact with each other, whether or not the elements are in direct physical or electrical contact, or are not in direct contact with each other.
Although specific aspects have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific aspects shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific aspects discussed herein.
Although the elements in the above claims below are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the recitation of the claims otherwise implies a particular sequence for implementing some or all of the elements, the elements are not necessarily limited to being implemented in the particular sequence described.
Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings. Of course, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that there are numerous other applications of the present invention beyond those described herein. While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims (12)

1. A wearable device (200), comprising:
a processor (201) for implementing a user interface allowing a user to interact with the wearable device (200);
a display (205) and a touch panel (206) in communication with the processor (201), wherein the display (205) and the touch panel (206) provide a touch sensitive display for allowing a user to interact with the wearable device (200) based on the user interface by touching the touch panel (206); and
a bezel (207) rotatably mounted on a housing (203) of the wearable device (200), wherein the bezel (207) comprises at least two pointing elements (209a-d) for activating the touch panel (206) at a plurality of different positions of the touch panel (206), and wherein the plurality of different positions of the touch panel (206) define a plurality of different positions of the bezel (207) relative to the housing (203), thereby allowing the user to interact with the wearable device (200) by using the bezel (207);
wherein, in a default state of the bezel (207), at least one of the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) is in constant contact with the touch panel (206) and at least another one of the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) is not in contact with the touch panel (206).
2. The wearable device (200) of claim 1, wherein the touch panel (206) is a capacitive touch panel.
3. Wearable device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) are arranged between the touch panel (206) and the bezel (207).
4. Wearable device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that in other states than the default state the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) are in constant contact with the touch panel (206).
5. Wearable device (200) according to claim 3, wherein the bezel (207) is biased to a default state, and wherein the bezel (207) is adapted to bring at least another of the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) into contact with the touch panel (206) by pressing the bezel (207) in the default state, thereby allowing the user to interact with the wearable device (200) by pressing the bezel (207).
6. The wearable device (200) of claim 5, characterized in that a resilient element (203a) is mounted between the bezel (207) and the housing (203), wherein the resilient element (203a) is used to bias the bezel (207) to the default state and the resilient element (203a) is used to generate a tactile feedback upon pressing the bezel (207).
7. Wearable device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) are made of an elastic and/or electrically conductive material.
8. Wearable device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the bezel (207) is made of an electrically conductive material comprising an electrically non-conductive coating (207a) between the bezel (207) and the touch panel (206), and wherein at least two pointing elements (209a-d) are delimited by recesses (209d) within the electrically non-conductive thin coating (207a) of the bezel 207.
9. The wearable device (200) of claim 1, wherein the processor (201) is configured to implement the user interface in a first configuration when the user touches the bezel (207) and in a second configuration when the user does not touch the bezel (207).
10. The wearable device (200) of claim 1, wherein the touch panel (206) is a resistive touch panel.
11. The wearable device (200) of claim 1, wherein the touch panel (206) is a pressure sensitive touch panel.
12. A method (700) of operating a wearable device (200), the method (700) comprising the steps of:
implementing (701) a user interface allowing a user to interact with the wearable device (200);
allowing (703) the user to interact with the wearable device (200) based on the user interface by touching a touch panel (206) of the wearable device (200); and
rotating (705) a bezel (207) rotatably mounted on a housing (203) of the wearable device (200) relative to the housing (203), wherein the bezel (207) comprises at least two pointing elements (209a-d) for activating the touch panel (206) at a plurality of different positions of the touch panel (206), thereby allowing the user to interact with the wearable device (200) by using the bezel (207);
wherein, in a default state of the bezel (207), at least one of the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) is in constant contact with the touch panel (206) and at least another one of the at least two pointing elements (209a-d) is not in contact with the touch panel (206).
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KR102057981B1 (en) 2019-12-20
WO2017054881A1 (en) 2017-04-06
EP3298481B1 (en) 2020-12-02
ES2851648T3 (en) 2021-09-08
KR20180018739A (en) 2018-02-21
US10466817B2 (en) 2019-11-05
JP6542977B2 (en) 2019-07-10
EP3298481A1 (en) 2018-03-28
JP2018521425A (en) 2018-08-02
US20180217682A1 (en) 2018-08-02

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